LAS VEGAS — Khabib Nurmagomedov authored several memorable moments over the course of his Hall of Fame run as the UFC lightweight champion.
But which memory is Nurmagomedov’s favorite?
“It’s here. October 6, 2018. Nurmagomedov spoke to MMA Fighting about the biggest fight in MMA’s history, ahead of Thursday’s UFC Hall of Fame ceremony.
Conor McGregor and Nurmagomedov performed magic at UFC 229,, an event that is still the most-watched pay-per view in sports history.
Nurmagomedov and McGregor had a fierce — and oftentimes ugly — rivalry, however it was Nurmagomedov who ultimately emerged victorious, submitting the former two-division champion via fourth-round neck crank after thoroughly dominating him throughout the bout. Nurmagomedov then rocketed over the cage and charged toward McGregor’s corner, setting off a wild melee inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Four years later, “The Eagle”, still fondly remembers the night.
” I’m happy that this fight was won. Nurmagomedov stated that he can’t lose any fights but could not [could I lose] this one.
After retiring with an undefeated record of 29-0, Nurmagomedov joined the UFC Hall of Fame on Thursday night as part of the promotion’s 2022 Hall of Fame class, alongside Daniel Cormier and the iconic fight between Cub Swanson and Doo Ho Choi.
And the living legend named three others he’d like to see join him there soon.
“I think, 100 percent, it has to be Cain Velasquez, who’s sitting in jail,” Nurmagomedov said. It’s unfair. Cain Velasquez is a worthy [Hall of Fame honor]. recipient I think Frankie Edgar, he deserves this. His size was small, and he fought with giants such as Gray Maynard, Benson Henderson and Gray Maynard in the lightweight division. All these guys were very huge, other top lightweights, and he beat all of them and he was champion, Frankie Edgar.
“And coach Javier [Mendez]. Let me tell you. Because since 2010 to 2020, 10 years, this guy had someone [who was a] champion inside his gym. Each year. It was Cain, it was DC [Daniel Cormier], it was Luke [Rockhold], it was me. Ten years, every year, all the time he has someone as champion inside his gym. Who [else] did this? Nobody. I think coach Javier — if they put coaches like this, I think coach Javier [deserves it].”
